Foundation Stone Set for New RAK Campus

March 16, 2006Print-Friendly Version

Activities at the George Mason Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Campus in the United Arab Emirates moved into high gear this week with the laying of the foundation stone for its first building.

During a ceremony Tuesday at the campus site on the new Emirates Road, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, laid the foundation stone. Peter Stearns, provost, and David Rossell, acting dean of the RAK Campus, attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the week, two open house opportunities for prospective students and their parents were held in RAK and Dubai. Programs in biology, nursing, business administration and electronics and communications engineering will be offered in the fall.

More information on the RAK Campus can be found at the web site.

Several seminars in the “Going Global: The Ethics and Politics of a George Mason University Campus in the Middle East” series are still to come. These seminars focus on possible methods of interaction between the university’s U.S. campuses and the campus at RAK, based on the history and cultures of southeastern Arabia:

  • “The Imperative of Engagement: Higher Education and Open Society in the Arab World”

    Presentation by Peter Mandaville, associate professor of government.

    Monday, March 27

    Noon to 1:30 p.m.

    Mason Hall, Room D3

  • “Building the Mason Bridge: Increasing Intercultural Competency Skills From Fairfax to Ras Al Khaimah”

    Presentation by Mohamed Abdel Kader, assistant director, Development Office

    Thursday, April 6

    Noon to 1:30 p.m.

    Mason Hall, Room D3

  • “Traditions of Tolerance in the Gulf Region: Implications for Educational Strategies at George Mason University in Ras Al Khaimah”

    Monday, April 24

    1 to 2:30 p.m., Mason Hall, Room D3

    Panel discussion moderated by Sumaiya Hamdani, associate professor of history and art history and director of Islamic Studies.

  • “Challenges of Minority and Inter-religious Relations in Ras Al Khaimah: Implications for Educational Strategies at George Mason University in the Middle East”

    Panel discussion moderated by Marc Gopin, professor of conflict analysis and resolution and director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.

    Wednesday, April 26

    Noon to 1:30 p.m.

    Mason Hall, Room D3

    The seminars are free and reservations are not required. For more information, contact Marcy Glover, global and educational programs coordinator in the Office of the Provost, at 703-993-8722 or mglover2@gmu.edu.

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